Tigers pitcher Doug Fister, left, pats shortstop Jose Iglesias on the shoulder after Iglesias threw out White Sox catcher Josh Phegley at first during the sixth inning on Aug. 12 in Chicago.

Written by

Brian Manzullo
Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

On Aug. 12, Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias charged toward the mound in the sixth inning on a short chopper by White Sox catcher Josh Phegley, barehanded the ball and threw out Phegley at first base in midair.

It was a 6-2 loss in Chicago, but that play became the defining highlight for Iglesias during his short Detroit stay. And no defensive play in baseball has topped it since.

Iglesias' play, as of Tuesday night, is the 35-time defending ESPN "Web gem" winner, meaning the best defensive play each night since Aug. 12 has not been able to beat it in an ESPN.com SportsNation fan vote. ...